Mk5 GTI - what to replace it with?
Discussion
Interesting to see more rave reviews from past and present Mk5 GTI owners on fastgerman's thread.
Everyone says it's a great all rounder. I still love mine after 5 years but it's getting on a bit. Didn't want to hijack the other thread but I'm interested to know what past owners have replaced theirs with and if you've been pleased?
It seems to me you need to spend a lot more money to get something newer/significantly better. Anyone moved to a mk7 GTI and been happy despite the c£20k cost uplift and a concept that seems basically the same? How do they compare?
Fiesta or Focus ST are good value/tempting but both seem a little bit too boy racer for work to me.
A Golf R or M135i seem the obvious choice for a step up but not sure I need 300bhp or that much extra money in my daily drive.
I tried to replace mine with a Mk6 but hated it and sold it. Maybe I just lack imagination.
Everyone says it's a great all rounder. I still love mine after 5 years but it's getting on a bit. Didn't want to hijack the other thread but I'm interested to know what past owners have replaced theirs with and if you've been pleased?
It seems to me you need to spend a lot more money to get something newer/significantly better. Anyone moved to a mk7 GTI and been happy despite the c£20k cost uplift and a concept that seems basically the same? How do they compare?
Fiesta or Focus ST are good value/tempting but both seem a little bit too boy racer for work to me.
A Golf R or M135i seem the obvious choice for a step up but not sure I need 300bhp or that much extra money in my daily drive.
I tried to replace mine with a Mk6 but hated it and sold it. Maybe I just lack imagination.
The MK5 and MK7 are massively different. I sold the MK5 GTI that I drove for 6 years and replaced it with a new MK7 GTD. For my use the MPG you get from a GTI isn't justified by the performance you get, and the GTD has a far better balance in that respect. That being said, if I was buying a Golf right now I'd choose an R. Despite it being rather bland it's hard to ignore the amount of performance it has.
Deerfoot said:
Scirocco R?
Kind of the same but different enough that you'll notice. Still semi practical.
Best of all you'll not see many others around.
I did this, Mk5 was very capable, but the R was just more entertaining, the extra 60-70BHP really show and it just wants to go. Effortless performance, close to mK7 r power, but relatively rare. Most used models are spec'd reasonably well too.Kind of the same but different enough that you'll notice. Still semi practical.
Best of all you'll not see many others around.
The Scirocco R and MK5 Edition 30 both have the same EA113 unit from the Audi S3. Both can make 340hp with 330lbft torque from just software changes in the ECU.
Something to consider if a normal GTI isn't doing it for you anymore. A 300+hp Rocco or MK5 is a very different car to a plain GTI. The power is addictive and really ramps up the fun factor.
Both cars are sought after price holders too, being limited editions.
Something to consider if a normal GTI isn't doing it for you anymore. A 300+hp Rocco or MK5 is a very different car to a plain GTI. The power is addictive and really ramps up the fun factor.
Both cars are sought after price holders too, being limited editions.
Don't bother with the MK6 as it won't feel like a big enough step up and they need to drop some more in price to represent decent value.
The MK7 is a good call if you can afford it. Early 2013 examples are starting to appear around £20k now which is a nice saving on list.
BMW M135i could be worth a look too. It seems to be regarded the same as the MK5 GTI was when new.
The MK7 is a good call if you can afford it. Early 2013 examples are starting to appear around £20k now which is a nice saving on list.
BMW M135i could be worth a look too. It seems to be regarded the same as the MK5 GTI was when new.
andrewparker said:
That being said, if I was buying a Golf right now I'd choose an R. Despite it being rather bland it's hard to ignore the amount of performance it has.
Yes very strong performance but definitely lacks some character, the GTI has a better sense of occasion. This is up for £20,490 at a big VW dealer
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (but ignore the title its a 220PS)
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (but ignore the title its a 220PS)
va1o said:
This is up for £20,490 at a big VW dealer
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (but ignore the title its a 220PS)
That's very good, 16,000 miles. Say £19,995 when you take their (expensive) finance.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (but ignore the title its a 220PS)
Interesting replies. Most people keep coming back to the mk7.
I did try a mk7 GTI in the summer but it was only a couple of miles and difficult to judge it. I liked it but didn't come away thinking "wow it's so much better than my mk5" and concluded I'd wait for a bit. When you are looking for 'character' in a car I guess you need longer with it anyway.
Not tried an R but as some people have said despite all that power and 4WD there's something about them that doesn't make me want/need to spend the extra money. Sounds silly but the heritage of the GTI and it's qualities as an everyday all rounder do it for me.
Scirocco is an option I've considered but unless you think the looks of a coupe are stunning (which I don't particularly with the Scirocco) I'd always rather stick with a hatch.
Edition 35 is a good suggestion but I've been put off by my traumatic experience with a mk6.
330d tourer is my current wild card!
I did try a mk7 GTI in the summer but it was only a couple of miles and difficult to judge it. I liked it but didn't come away thinking "wow it's so much better than my mk5" and concluded I'd wait for a bit. When you are looking for 'character' in a car I guess you need longer with it anyway.
Not tried an R but as some people have said despite all that power and 4WD there's something about them that doesn't make me want/need to spend the extra money. Sounds silly but the heritage of the GTI and it's qualities as an everyday all rounder do it for me.
Scirocco is an option I've considered but unless you think the looks of a coupe are stunning (which I don't particularly with the Scirocco) I'd always rather stick with a hatch.
Edition 35 is a good suggestion but I've been put off by my traumatic experience with a mk6.
330d tourer is my current wild card!
I replaced mine with a 350Z, much more of an event. The Gti was very good, just a bit bland. I've not driven the Mk7 Gti, it is supposedly very good but I suspect it is more of the same thing. Of all these super hatches, the one that appeals most is the M135i, the six cylinder engine and rear wheel drive set it apart. If you are happy with FWD, then look at the latest Leon Cupra as well, similar money to a Mk7 Gti but more power. I have a 1.4 FR and it is as complete a car as my Mk5 Gti was.
If your considering a 330d, then why not a 328i? Petrol over the diesel for me.
If your considering a 330d, then why not a 328i? Petrol over the diesel for me.
I'm not sure it would be that clear cut for me, despite a preference for petrol. 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder vs 3.0L 6 cylinder diesel... The 330d is supposed to have more grunt (or at least feel like it) and sound better than the 328i. A 330d Touring is a very appealing package to me.
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